Edible film formulation

Abstract

Edible films incorporated carrageenan in conjunction with insoluble and inert carbohydrate components, such as high-amylose starch, have been found to exhibit superior properties as material for meat casings, including high strength and excellent adhesion to the meat. Liquid compositions for casting into such edible films are disclosed which facilitate the efficient production of sausage and other film-encased meat products using conventional forming apparatus.

1 . A liquid composition for casting into an edible film, comprising uniform mixture of 25 to 45 wt.% of carrageenan, from 3 to 30 wt.% of a substantially water-insoluble edible carbohydrate, from 10 to 40 wt.% of a plasticizing polyol and from to 10 to 35 wt.% of water.  
     
     
         2 . A liquid composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said plasticizing polyol is glycerol.  
     
     
         3 . A liquid composition according to  claim 2 , further comprising up to 10 wt % of an edible gum.  
     
     
         4 . A liquid composition according to  claim 3 , wherein said substantially water-insoluble water carbohydrate is selected from hypoallergenic members of the group consisting of high-amylose starch, components of cellulose, insoluble gums, fibrous vegetable materials and glucans.  
     
     
         5 . A liquid composition according to  claim 3 , wherein said edible gum is selected from the group consisting of galactomann, locust bean gum and tara gum.  
     
     
         6 . A liquid composition according to  claim 4 , further comprising sufficient caramel powder or other coloring material to impart a desired color to an edible film prepared from the liquid composition